The Mystery of the Suddenly Appearing Black Ice Bandits

The song says something like, "Now, I know how Richard Petty feels ...

I think I can somewhat relate now.

This morning I hit some black ice and went from 40 mph to about 70 mph really quickly. I felt like I was in a NASCAR race because I was totally out of control. I was coming up on the pickup truck in front of me, all the while driving insanely sideways.

I thought for sure I was going to collide or at least bump the truck out of control. Luckily, I didn't hit the other vehicle or any of the several that were still coming in the other direction. Somehow, and I don't remember how, I got turned around and ended up in a deep ditch about two feet from several trees. The snow buildup slowed me down enough to avoid flipping or hitting any of the many trees.

After a moment of freaking out, I checked everything out and the truck seemed okay. I called Lori at work and got a number for a towing service and they yanked me out after arriving about 20 minutes later. I don't think there was any damage done to the truck and I'm all right.

It was a good reminder that when the news says there's black ice:

stay way back from everyone
drive carefully, and
don't drive unless you have to.

We actually had a no school day today due to the ice — true story — but I had to appear in court due to a student our school is working with. Otherwise, I would have waited another hour and a half to head in to school. You know, when the roads heat up and dry off.